Opt-Out Request Line
Description: According to the Consumer Protection Division, the Opt Out Request Line is a combination of the major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, Transunion, and Consumer Credit Associates) which provides a universal notification system whereby consumers can elect to be excluded from pre-screened lists which are marketed to financial institutions and insurance companies. This system can be reached at 1–888-567–8688.
When consumers contact the Opt Out Request Line, they are offered three options:
- to have their names excluded for a period of two years
- to have their names returned to the lists if they have previously had it excluded
- to have their names excluded from the lists permanently
If consumers choose to have their names removed permanently, they will be sent an additional Notice of Election form which is required to be completed and returned.
There is no charge to consumers, but consumers are required to provide certain personal information in order to process the requests
By removing one‘s name from these lists, consumers can expect to receive fewer direct marketing solicitations for credit and/or insurance products. It can also serve to reduce the amount of personal information that is “out there” and make identity theft that much more difficult.
Source: Consumer Protection Division
Date Last Revisited: 2/12/07
